Travel Diversity
After 27 years of civil war happening in Angola, from 2002 onwards they have finally started to rebuild their country. Angola is another one of Africa coastal countries with the Atlantic Ocean to the west. Namibia is to the south, the Congo is to the north and Zambia is to the east. Angola is also a country divided into 18 different provinces and is the world’s 23rd largest country.
Cultural Diversity
Angola has quite a few ethnic groups, Ovimbundu 37%, Kimbundu 25%, Bakongo 13%, mestico (mixed European and native African) 2%, European 1%, other 22%.
African Nature
I would never have guessed that Angola is home to quite a few nature reserves, national parks and different fossil sites. Iona National Park is known for flora and amazing rock formations. This park is also the oldest and largest of Angola’s national parks. Angola has also got an amazing coastline that stretches for about 1650km making a great holiday destination. What more can any tourist ask for.
General Information
Angola is rich in oil, gold, copper and diamonds. Over 13 million people reside in this amazing country.
Different Activities/ Attraction
Go fishing at Santiago
Bikuar National Park
Luiana Partial Reserve
Rio Kwanza Waterfall
Tunda Vala Volcanic Fissure
Miradouro da Lua (watchpoint or valley of the moon)
Kissama Game Park
Mussolo Island
Kalandula Waterfalls
Accommodation
Hotel Le Presidente Luanda
Kissama National Park
Grande Hotel De Cabinda
Travel
Getting access to Angola is pretty simple and there are loads of ways you can access the country. Angola has 3 different railway systems; they have over 19 000 km of paved roads, 8 major seas ports and over 243 airports which 32 are paved. Another thing to take into consideration is that Angola doesn’t hand out visas at their boarders, so be sure to apply for one in advance because you don’t want to be turned away from an experience of a life time.
In the Old Days
Saying the word Cape Town should give you the picture of beautiful table mountain that everyone talks about and then probably Robben Island. It’s been over 10 years since I have lived in Cape Town, though the memories of the 5 years I lived there are still quite fresh. Every now and then I go for a visit which helps keep these memories alive. Unfortunately I do feel that when I speak of my Cape Town living experience I found myself saying “Back in the good old days” because time has just flown by since then. Having fun, been adventurous and maybe a bit negligent makes the memories even better.
Great Outing Experiences in Cape Town
Most of my memories I made there was with family and with my friends from the school I attended at the time. The school that I attended I was privileged enough to go on outings to really amazing places. The outings we went on as a class back when I was at school, I really did enjoy them. Some of the ones I remember were going to snorkel in Fish Hoek, going to a ground mill and getting freshly baked cookies for lunch, going to the world of birds and then going to the I-max theatre at the V&A water front. These are just a few highlighted ones that really stand out in my mind.
Cape Town’s City Centre
One of my fondest memories was packing a rug sack with yummy eats and catching a train to Cape Town’s City centre. From the train station my family and I would head off into the small narrow streets, some of these streets are still to this day cobbled. The streets are lined with old buildings. One of my favourite places to stop at was the Cape Town flower market, situated in between two tall buildings. There are just thousands of flowers. Any kind of flower you could think of is there on display. You could seriously get lost in between the beautiful display. From there we would meander around and head towards this place called The Gardens. Here we would buy peanuts to feed the squirrels. I remember been scared of the pigeons who would flock towards me, I used to think those greedy birds wanting to steal my peanuts. On a Saturday’s you were bound to see photographers taking snap shots of bridal parties. Something else I loved was the rides we would take to visit my extended family. My family and I lived in the Southern Suburbs of Cape Town and the extended family lived in the Northern Suburbs. Visiting them took on a good day would take you about 45 minutes. What I loved was driving through Constantia, Wynberg and Tokai Forest. That road is amazing. The road is lined with the most incredible trees making you feel like you in a thick dense forest. There are beautiful designed up market homes that are to your right and to your left. 
What’s Happening Now In Cape Town
Since the time that I have lived there lots has changed, everything has gone bigger and better and I still love to explore and be adventurous when I go there. A more modern day adventure is taking a few hours out my day and shopping at Canal Walk. There are many thing I love about Cape Town, my greatest love would have to be the wide variety of markets they have and car boot sales. Why not go and buy something hand made and original. These markets promote South Africa products. I personally love the excitement about finding old things and you can’t go wrong with something handmade. Some of the markets that I haven’t been to yet, I’m planning on going on my next trip which I’m super excited about.
Still to this day I love Cape Town, maybe now that I only go for not more than a week. I mean there is only so much hussle and bussle a small town girl can take.
A few weeks ago, I wrote an article on coffee, I named some of the best places in Jeffreys Bay to get a good cuppa from. Well this week I want to mention a few more. Personally for me I love coffee. There isn’t a morning that goes by that I leave my house without first having my fix. I enjoy finding new places where I can enjoy a good brew of coffee.
Coffee for a Reason
Many people enjoy coffee shops for different reasons. Some people go to coffee shops for business a quick meeting held over a cuppa. Some people enjoy going just to watch people walk by. It’s quite entertaining sometimes to see what people where and what they do. My personal reason to go for a cup of coffee is to catch up with friends. We are so into social networking now days but what about just been plan sociable. This generation we living in have our cell phones glued to our hands but what about personal interaction. And that is the main reason why I love coffee shops besides the coffee; you get to meet up with people and get to breathe in some fresh air.
A Variety of Coffee Shops
There is nothing like going into a coffee shop that has got a different element, like a coffee shop in a book shop or a coffee shop in a flouriest. Some coffee shops are now even in super markets. Then there is the coffee shop that goes the extra mile, with cracking fires and couches to lounge on. Making it warm an intimate in the winter months of the year. Jeffreys Bay has an over abundance of coffee shops and restaurants on the main street and beach road. There is a variety of different tastes for every person. From seafood’s, to steaks, to Mexican, to Greek, traditional boere kos, to fishmongers. Whenever I eat out with my family at a place, my mom would always tell us that we shouldn’t order fish off a menu that is prominently steak orientated. Just because the fish isn’t really a priority on the menu means that you not going to be that sure how fresh that fish could be.
Wimpy
This past week I got to have a quick cup of coffee at the Fountains mall, at Wimpy, which is just on the out skirts of Jeffreys Bay. Now everyone in South Africa knows about Wimpy. Their coffee, even though I think there cups are way too small, is rich with favour and has that creamy froth. I don’t think I have ever gone to a Wimpy before and been disappointed. I love the atmosphere at the Wimpy in the mall is great. Some tables are outside, and the ones inside are really cosy. The way that they have situated the tables inside is that you got a choice. You can choose to sit out where everyone can see you and you can enjoy watching the people walk by, like normal restaurants or there are tables set back deeper in the restaurant that you can sit at that are more hidden away and snug. The decor inside is up to date, bright and colourful. This makes you cheerful while enjoying your coffee or even your meal. The bonus is that the people that work there are really friendly and helpful.
Santa Fe’
My second coffee shop experience has been Santa Fe’ .This coffee shop is hidden away in between some building so if you have never been there you might need some directions. I do recall though seen a board on the main road with an arrow pointing in their direction also with board invites you to come and take pleasure in one of their daily specials. I really liked it there. They have table inside or you can sit outside. I went there quite early and it was most satisfying. I chose to sit outside as even though it was a crisp morning, the sun was out and the view of the ocean in the background made the coffee experience more enjoyable. It is quite quirky and quant. And the atmosphere is warm and inviting. They have quite a huge variety of different coffees that you can choose from. From weaker blends to some of the darkest roasts I have seen. The coffee comes in a reasonably size cup and very cost effective to the pocket.
Coffee can only be enjoyed in a place where you find that you feel welcomed. Enjoy your next cuppa and let me know where you most enjoyed it.
Travel Diversity
Malawi is also known as “the warm heart of Africa”, as the people are really friendly and welcoming. Malawi is also a narrow but long country that is over 1000km from north to south. Malawi is a landlocked country. Malawi’s neighbours are Zambia to the northwest, Tanzania to the northeast, and Mozambique on the east, south and west. The country is separated from Tanzania and Mozambique by Lake Malawi. Malawi’s main attraction is Lake Malawi; these crystal clear waters stretch over 500km long making travelling more of an adventure. Why not climb onto a boat and sail up the Lake Malawi.
Cultural Diversity
The Malawians are family orientated people. They share their work and their resources amongst one another. The Malawi people are of Bantu origin with the ethnic groups including Chewa, Nyanja, Yao, Tumbuka, Lomwe, Sena, Tonga, Ngoni, Ngonde, Asian and European.
General Information about Malawi
Malawian temperature is tropical so expect it to be hot in the summer season, so plan your trip wisely between May and July as the temperature can be quite enjoyable and not too hot. English is Malawi’s official language which makes travelling for you and me much easier. The Malawians are very creative with their arts and crafts so be sure to have a look out on the road side and at different markets all over Malawi for their crafted goodies.
World Heritage Site
Lake Malawi National Park and Chongoni Rock-Art Area is Malawi’s only 2 world heritage sites. Lake Malawi National Park is situated at the southern end of the lake. Lake Malawi was listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site for its importance in the study of evolution. The Chongoni Rock Art Area was listed because it consists of 127 sites that feature the richest concentration of rock art in Central Africa. These rock art pictures are of the hunter-gathers and of agriculturalists that date back to the late Stone Age till the present age. These paintings show the customs and rituals that they partook in, e.g. rain making, initiations and funeral rites.
Different Activities/ Attractions
Malawi has eleven national parks so be sure to at least visit some of them.
Lake Malawi: The Lake holds the biggest variety of freshwater fish in the world. Some of the activities you can take part in are kayaking, sailing, snorkelling, scuba diving. The lake is also home to a shoreline that has many different fishing villages.
Kasunga National Park: Stretching over 2000km this is one of the largest parks in Malawi home to lions, zebra, elephants, leopards etc.
Chizumulu and Likoma Islands: Two beautiful islands for your relaxation. These two islands are close enough to each other to take a boat ride from one to the other. Here you can enjoy snorkelling; the clear fresh water makes it safe for swimming.
Accommodation
Africa House Malawi
Barefoot Safari Lodge
Kiboko Town Hotel
Thawale Camp
Tongole Wilderness Lodge
Travel
All you need is a plane ticket and you can get there directly or you can fly into a neighbouring country and get local transport there. Sometimes it is easier to just hire a car while you there, it makes it easier on yourself to get around or inquire about tour companies that tour around Malawi.
Once famously known as the home of The Great Zimbabwe Ruins, it might appear that this is the perfect name for the country herself as the political problems plunge her into despair. A country once known as the “Bread Basket of Africa” and for her agreeable climate and friendly people has become little more than a hollowed pot-hole compared to the happening highway she was once. However, through all the ups and downs this wonderful land has experienced she remains a popular tourist destination tinged with hostility only by the paintbrush of the unjust artist. Let me paint you a better picture:
Zimbabwe the holiday destination, Zimbabwe the hospitable and Zimbabwe the home. My home.
Zimbabwe as Holiday Destination
As a holiday destination Zimbabwe is one of the most welcoming places one can visit.
Accommodation ranges from fabulous Five Star Hotels to happy humble camp sites and everything in between. Whatever your preference, it’s easy to find it in our vast lands.
With tourist attractions abound, one can see first hand the wonders of our hydro electricity source of Kariba Dam if you’re brave enough to face the mythical water snake that haunts the lake’s waters, The Nyami Nyami. And the not so mythical crocodile!
If you really want adventure why not take a trip to the Famous Zimbabwe ruins and explore first hand the wonders of King Monamatapa’s castle, after a quick stop at the nearby Wimpy of course!
Experience Zimbabwe in a way unlike any other; from the top of Mount Nyangani (a day’s hike from the middle) or the smaller Chimani Mani Mountains (3 days hike/camping from the bottom).
Whether you are looking for the sweltering summer heat of Kariba or the settling mist in the chilly winter Bvumba, Zimbabwe is a land suited for any preference and any party!
Hospitality in Zimbabwe
The hospitality of the local Zimbabweans puts any traveller at rest. A nation perceived as blood thirsty and murderous, the everyday local is far from that and eager to put that perception aside.
Shona, being the vernacular, is a fast spoken language and many of its words are derived from our own language of English such as “Benchi” for bench.
Take the time to stop and admire our people’s talent and craftsmanship along the sides of the road.
Do yourself a favour and try a “Gotcha Mealie” (meaning cooked on the fire).
The locals are always eager to help anyone dive head first into our culture and truly experience Zimbabwe.
It won’t be long until you discover that in Zimbabwe you are not a tourist, you are a guest!
Zimbabwe my Home land
For many years Zimbabwe has been my home and what a sweet home it has been. Of course it has had its hiccups but even the cosiest cottage must spring a leak and call the plumber, and that is just what happened.
In years past food became short and commodities unavailable, but Zimbabweans are known as the “make a plan” people and it was not long until our country was properly functioning again thanks to the removal of the one hundred trillion Zimbabwean Dollar Note (among others) and the introduction of the US Dollar, our new currency.
I am proud to say that apart from the odd power cut we are a fully functioning home again, and hey, when the power goes out, do like the locals do:
Light a candle and enjoy the moment!
Or buy a generator!
For many years now Zimbabwe has been depicted as a devastated shadow of her former self, but the average Zimbabwean would not tell such a sad tale. Ask any immigrant and they will tell you, one day, they are going home. Like a magnet drawing us in, though we are far spread now, one day we will all go home to our land where we belong.
So pack your candles, bring some matches, a petrol scuba or two and join us in being drawn in to our Zimbabwe: Perhaps no longer a Bread Basket but in my opinion, a full on Pastry Shop!!
Travel Diversity
Mozambique is boarded by the Indian Ocean and six other countries, Zimbabwe, Zambia, South Africa, Malawi, Swaziland and Tanzania. Mozambique is divided into 11 different provinces and its coastline is over 2500Km long. This country is home to a chain of a variety islands.
Islands
Some of the islands are big enough to have a few small villages spaced out on them. Then some others are too small and unoccupied. These islands promote, relaxation, a time for you to escape to the unknown and explore the beauty of their land. The most popular island is Bazaruto Archipelago Island. This island is known for the most popular tourist area in Mozambique. This island cluster consists of four main islands Bazaruto, Benguera, Magaruque, and Santa Carolina. These islands can be reached by boat off the main land of Mozambique. A few other islands’ that are associated with Mozambique are Ibo Island, Inhaca Island, Ilha de Mocambique and Quirimbas Archipelago.
Cultural Diversity
Mozambique has many ethnic groups: Makhuwa, Tsonga, Makonde, Shangaan, Shona, Sena and Ndau. One thing that I have heard about and read is that the people of Mozambique are really a friendly and helpful group of people. The official language of Mozambique is Portuguese. About half the population speaks Portuguese as a second language and only a few as a first language. Other languages spoken are Swahili, Makhuwa, and Sena. As far as religion goes Christianity is the largest and then there are Muslims and African traditions.
African Nature
Mozambique is not like other Africa countries, yes they have wildlife but there main attractions they have are just scenic views. The blue ocean that is almost Caribbean like. There is nothing like sipping a cocktail looking at breathtaking views and catching a little sun. And that is except what Mozambique has to offer. They have the surf and the sand. These stunning beaches have fun activities like snorkelling, sailing, relaxing under a palm tree, getting lost in between the cobbled streets, sipping an espresso in the street cafes.
General Information about Mozambique
Mozambique currency is the metical and they have a tropical to subtropical climate, as I said before perfect for the beach holiday. In every country there is theft , where ever you go in life, safely is never really guaranteed, so in general please be alert.
World Heritage Site
Island of Mozambique is Mozambique’s only world heritage site. This island was used as a trading post for the Portuguese who were travelling to India.
Different Activities/ Attractions
Bazaruto Island
Museum of the Revolution
Gorongosa National Park
Central Railway Station
Central Market
More Accommodation Options
Manico Camp
CasaCabana
Covane Fishing & Safari Lodge
Signature Casa do Capitao
Quatro Amigos
Blue Moon Beach – Holiday Resort
Travel
Getting to Mozambique is quite simple. You can fly into Mozambique, or you can fly into the neighbouring countries and use the public transport to get around. Hiring a car sometimes is best so that you can do things in your own time and not have to figure out how there public transport works and functions.
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